Advice wanted on first bike

[Starfire]

Hi, I'm female, 29 years old, 5'8, weighing around 85-90kg, I live in Kaiapoi and will be studying at Ara Polytech for the next few years so I'm planning on selling my current car (2.5L V6 people mover) and getting something smaller to carry the kids and a bike for the commute into polytech each day.
I've been looking at bikes for the last few months to try and get an idea of whats out there and reasonable prices and am a bit unsure of what I need. I know what I want it to do, but don't know what I should be looking for in a bike listing to tell if it's suitable, any help would be appreciated.

I'm looking primarily at sports bikes, I have Fibromyalgia and spine problems and I know from experience riding horses, that a riding position with my heels in line with my hips is comfortable for long periods, but feet forward of my hips with no back support and my back will be screaming at me in 10 minutes.

I'm looking for a bike to do a daily commute from Kaiapoi to Christchurch, but still be capable of comfortably riding Lewis pass and Takaka hill to visit family in golden bay every few months. something I could get a pack rack or saddle bags for would be great.

I've been looking at bikes up to around $2k, but could probably extend that out to around $4k, depends a bit on how much I get for my current car and what the new one costs.

I'd like something that if possible I can learn to do most of the maintenance on myself, or that won't need to much done to it by a mechanic. I used too help my dad work on cars when I was a kid, but haven't done much since then, I can follow instructions though and figure unless I get an obscure bike there''s a good chance I can find instructions or videos online on how to do most of the regular maintenance.

[Akzle]

hayabusa .

[Old Steve]

Great approach to asking for help, detail the requirements and expected use. You'd probably be best to look at one of the smaller LAMs bikes, there's lots of them around and they turn over pretty quickly - once people get their full license they upgrade to a bigger bike.

You will have to go kick tyres at all the bike shops you can find, sit on bikes, get the feel of how they suit you. Your commute is about 20 to 25 km, so you could look at anything from a 125 to a 300 cc LAMS bike. You'd be better to have the larger engined bike for your weekend riding.

So theres a lot of choice. Yamaha Scorpio 225, Suzuki Imazuma, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CB300, Hyosung GT250 and X4, Yamaha R3 - some of those bikes may be too new to find second hand bikes that fit into your price bracket. Do buy second hand, if you're worried about getting a lemon then try to buy from a dealer.

But, look on the net at each manufacturer and enter LAMS in their range, then look for those models on Trademe. I rode a Hyosung GV250 cruiser for 20 months getting my learners license, pretty reliable and easy to work on, so their sports bikes should be similar. But stick to those main brands, the Japanese four and Hyosung.

And don't be afraid to go on to the General Bike Ravings page to ask for advice - just ignore Akzels urgings to get a Hyabusa. And post some threads so you can get up to the number of posts that lets you send Personal Messages (PMs), then you can ask someone privately about a comment they've made.

[Akzle]

. And post some threads so you can get up to the number of posts that lets you send Personal Messages (PMs), then you can ask someone privately about a comment they've made.

i think you've entirely missed the point of public forums.

they exist as an archive of (in kb's case) bad puns and flame wars.

but also, unrelatedly: motorcycles. if everyone discussed shit in private, then searching for "new ride, learner bike, what bike should i get" etc would be pointless, rather than yielding fucking acres of results.

[Akzle]

oh. and a hayabusa is an excellent learner bike. just like supercharged V8s are excellent leaner cars.

[Akzle]

also, OP, since you're apparently resistant to the search function, that 2k is your GEAR budget. anything left over goes into the actual bike.

[Old Steve]

Akzel makes a very good point, get a full set of gear, good helmet, gloves, jacket, pants and boots. You'd probably spend the best part of $1500 on that.

Have a look at something like this:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1499050899.htm?rsqid=7c20f43ff1054a909911675ef4c8d b3f

2009, only done 21,000 km, red! It's fuel injected so easier starting. Do lube the chain frequently, you'll get longer life out of the chain and sprockets. I fitted a Scott Oiler to my Hyosung and did about 24,000 km without having to adjust the chain tension.

Running costs of a motorbike are higher, Rego is higher anyway, then there's more frequent engine oil changes (I do mine every 5000 km), chain lube, tyres.

[YellowDog]

Hey Starfire, you really do need to go down to a dealership and sit on a lot of bikes, before deciding which ones to test ride. If you have back issues, then perhaps a bike isn't right for you. Don't discount a large LAMS approved scooter. The worst result here is that you end up buying a bike that you don't ever use, so do take your time to get it right.

As has already been eloquently stated, getting yourself some robust protective gear and waterproofs too, needs to be a No.1 priority. Your local paper and Trademe is your friend.

Good luck.

[YellowDog]

If possible stay away from sports bikes as a first bike as they do not offer much in the way of side vision with their lowered bars and if you try and sit upright on them you get sore wrists. For doing Takaka Hill and Lewis pass I would not get anything below 400cc and idealy 650cc as a minimum. With your medical condition it could be worthwhile hiring a few bikes as any test ride time maybe not long enough to find out if you would find them painful to ride after a period of time. Maybe getting a custom made backrest could be an option to if you do like the better visability non sports bikes offer. With your budget however getting anything reliable over 250cc could be difficult. Good luck with what you decide.

I would agree with that and also concur regarding sports bikes. The only riders I have known whom fail basic handling, have all been on Sports Bikes :wacko:

[jellywrestler]

http://cycle-ergo.com/ this may help

[Scubbo]

a small CC car would be a better option really :cool: (cheaper/"safer"/handles the wet and cold better) just costs a bit more in gas, but rego will be less than a hundy and probably better for your fibromialgea or whatevers

[Moi]

a small CC car would be a better option really :cool: (cheaper/"safer"/handles the wet and cold better) just costs a bit more in gas, but rego will be less than a hundy and probably better for your fibromialgea or whatevers

I must admit I side with Scubbo on this, although I question why change your current vehicle at all?

Is buying a bike a false economy?

Questions to ask yourself:
* what's wrong with the present vehicle? - you know its history and whether it's reliable
* if you buy a smaller car, is it newer than the present vehicle? what's its history? why is it being sold?
* you buy a bike - will you use it everyday, even if it's 0°C outside on the July morning?, what's its history? are you prepared for the higher running costs involved with bike ownership? Insurance costs?
* you MUST factor the cost of your riding gear into the cost of bike purchase

* if you are going to be a student for a year or two, will you have the disposable income to support two vehicles - especially if one of them is a bike?

Just my tuppence worth...

[Scubbo]

this (https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/suzuki/auction-1501723939.htm?rsqid=c360b79202694c6dbc51a0b9b4763 ba2) - would be a hoot to drive

[Moi]

Just out of curiosity... what would a one-way trip on public transport cost from Kaiapoi to central Chch?

Would you get a student discount?

[Akzle]

If possible stay away from sports bikes as a first bike as they do not offer much in the way of side vision with their lowered bars and if you try and sit upright on them you get sore wrists. For doing Takaka Hill and Lewis pass I would not get anything below 400cc and idealy 650cc as a minimum. With your medical condition it could be worthwhile hiring a few bikes as any test ride time maybe not long enough to find out if you would find them painful to ride after a period of time. Maybe getting a custom made backrest could be an option to if you do like the better visability non sports bikes offer. With your budget however getting anything reliable over 250cc could be difficult. Good luck with what you decide.

fuck off you retarded cunt.

you're a fuckwit.

[Jeeper]

Yamaha Tricity could be a halfway option. Its got bike like features but you pay car rego and drive on car license.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/products/motorcycle/scooter/over-50cc/15-tricity-0

[caseye]

fuck off you retarded cunt.

you're a fuckwit.

What he said! Fuckwit indeed.

[FJRider]

The sooner you start primary school and learn new words the better. Who taught you those 3 by the way?

The three he know's are to the point ... correct ... and understood by you. Why learn new words ... ???????????????????

[AllanB]

$2k will buy a piece of shit. $4k is getting better.

Don't bother with a 250 if you plan heading north Nelson way frequently - it will drive you mad - better with one of the approved larger cc rides. But then you may need to spend more.

Gear - very valid point previously and most important.


If you are wanting to save money for your student life I'd be looking at a late 90's early 2000 Toyota Corolla that has been looked after - the darn thing will run for hundreds of thousands of kms provided you do regular oil/filter changes. Rego is cheap, fuel economy good You'll get air-bags, anti lock brakes and be dry and warm in the winter and be able to cart the kids.

[FJRider]

Why waste time saying the same 3 over and over again? All it does is demonstrate that he is what the 3 words say and nobody else.

YOU ARE A FUCKWIT. I say them on a regular basis too ... so it MUST be true ... ;)

[Akzle]

Why waste time saying the same 3 over and over again? All it does is demonstrate that he is what the 3 words say and nobody else.

why do YOU waste time (everyone elses, yours is fucking worthless) posting the same shit, over and over again, in many and varied and entirely irrelevant threads, only to be shot down by everyone else, over and over again?
surely the hallmark of a fuckwit.


why do i? not that it's the first time it's been said (your fuckwittery obviously precluded this from making it through your thick skull into your tiny brain) but: just incase any newbie stumbles across your horseshit and lacks the knowledge to recognise it for what it is.
everyone here already knows you're a fuckwit.

you fuckwit.

[Akzle]

. Who taught you those 3 by the way?

your dad .

[Jeeper]

your dad .If you knew him, why didn't you stop him from breeding.

[nzspokes]

If you knew him, why didn't you stop him from breeding.You have a valid point.

Sent from my M5 Note using Tapatalk

[Akzle]

If you knew him, why didn't you stop him from breeding.

i honestly wouldn't have thought gaybumsex could result in something he could, or would, raise to adulthood...

[Starfire]

Thanks for the responses, I have a helmet and gloves already and was looking at these http://www.leatherimage.co.nz/product-category/textile-wear/female-cordura-motorcycle-jackets/ for jacket and pants, probably the higher prices ones cause they zip together, then getting a back protector to go underneath it.

My mums partner has been riding for years, so I intend to go round all the bike stores with him once they're all open again after new years to sit on a bunch of bikes and try them out. I'll also take him with me when I go look at privately listed bikes for sale.

My current car is a 2.5L V6 Mazda MPV, it cost me close to $15 each trip into chch from my place, at the beginning of the year I was driving my flatmate to and from work in Marshlands, before his work moved to Kaiapoi and it was costing around $100/wk in petrol, then there's parking in town each day. Public transport is $3.75 a trip so $7.50 a day and an hour travelling each way, and I get horrible motion sickness when I'm not driving. While a bike might not be much cheaper than the bus, it will save me a bit over an hour travel time each day and I won't be wanting to throw up at the end of each trip.

This is probably the leading contender at the moment, simply for the bigger engine.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-1500973241.htm?rsqid=8477394fb929411e9299cc4dd56a7 53f
When I first started looking at bikes 15 years ago the advise I got said that long distance on a 250cc was really uncomfortable, I've been told bikes have improved since then it's not nearly as bad anymore, so will a 250cc bike do chch to takaka ok, even if it's a bit slower over takaka hill? or would it just be too uncomfortable?

I'm aiming to do the ride forever courses and get my learners and restricted (via CBTA) in the next couple of months and get my full around Jan/Feb 2019. The way I see it, I have two options,
1) I can get a cheaper 125 or 250 that won't do chch to takaka for a year and upgrade once I sit my full.

Pro's
- Cheaper to start with
- More options now and in a year because won't be limited by LAMS
- Might be easier to learn in a smaller bike?

Con's
- Can't get up to takaka for a year
- More hassle, have to sell current bike and find a new one in a year

2) I can get the biggest bike I can afford and ride on learners/restricted with the intention of not replacing it for 5 years or so at least.

Pro's
- Can go to takaka
- No hassle selling/buying in a year

Con's
- Fewer bikes to choose from
- might be harder to learn on a bigger bike
- More expensive

At the moment I'm leaning towards a bigger bike to start with, has anyone got anything to add to it, or something I haven't though of?

[Navy Boy]

Starfire

I'd advocate going for the biggest capacity bike you can realistically afford. The Suzuki at the link is a good example of this thinking. Yes it'll be a bit heavier on fuel than a 250 but that difference will diminish if you head further afield and the smaller bike is operated closer to the limit of its performance than a 500 which is having an easier time of it.

The Suzuki Inazuma 250 is another option. It's a naked bike (i.e. No fairing) but it physically full sized and they are around $5k new so secondhand ones will be within your price range. The riding position is fairly neutral and power-wise they make around 25Bhp which is enough to get to the national speed limit with a bit in reserve. Being a twin cylinder they're fairly smooth too.

The GS500 has been around in various guises since the 1980s and is well tried and tested. Secondhand ones tend to be well used and not always that well cared for so cast a critical eye over it or take a suitable friend along to help you if you do go and look at one. Indeed this applies to most of the bikes in the area you're looking as they are often used as workhorses with varying amounts of care taken of them.

Good luck - It may not feel it but you're in an enviable position and the world of biking is worth the extra hurdles it presents initially at least.

Post some pictures of what you end up with.

[Akzle]

2) I can get the biggest bike I can afford and ride on learners/restricted with the intention of not replacing it for 5 years or so at least.

Pro's
- Can go to takaka
- No hassle selling/buying in a year

Con's
- Fewer bikes to choose from
- might be harder to learn on a bigger bike
- More expensive

this would be my recommendation ^^


there's no fewer bikes, and they're typically less fucked by the time they're second, third, tenth hand.

and as i initially stipulated, learning on big /fast bikes is no problem.

[Scubbo]

Lams approved, looked after, just needs to be reged but already complied - was going to be used as a rental so in good shape

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1501258085.htm?rsqid=5066ee25902442e5b1ea94e1c3a51 8c4

[YellowDog]

Lams approved, looked after, just needs to be reged but already complied - was going to be used as a rental so in good shape

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1501258085.htm?rsqid=5066ee25902442e5b1ea94e1c3a51 8c4

I like that one, which would be my first choice. Honda quality, 650cc motor, & elevated/safer view ahead.

[Moi]

Hi Starfire,

Thanks for your response - your wish to ride is not some "flash in the pan" and you have support and backup in the family. Doing CBTA and training is, in my opinion, the most sensible road to riding.

[OddDuck]

The GS500F linked looks like a good choice and you shouldn't lose too much cash on such a bike come time to trade up. Keep it bone stock aside from extras like a pack rack and that'll make it easier to sell.

I've found online exploded parts diagrams very helpful in terms of sorting basic maintenance work, a quick google search turned up this listing from Partzilla:

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/suzuki/motorcycle/2008/gs500f/carburetor

The same thing goes for the Honda that Scubbo linked, there'll be something out there for the looking.

It's worth checking for downloadable owner's / service manuals as well. If they're free...

The next thing I'd suggest, once you've got a shortlist, is to google the dedicated online forums with search terms like "bike make model year issues forum", see what pops up. I dodged a bullet recently with a bike purchase by doing this - a Honda VTR1000F with a failing cam chain tensioner. The owner lied to my face about having replaced this. If I hadn't done my reading and known what to look and listen for then there was a pretty good chance I'd have bought the bike and possibly had a major engine problem shortly afterwards.

Other bits and bobs...

If possible while buying privately, check out the seller's garage area. This can tell you a lot about how the bike has been looked after. If there's a visible shortage of cash, half-done projects left to rust, general shoddiness visible, well. Caveat emptor.

Quite a few bikes (big and small) don't get used often, this can mean that they're running around with good tread on the tyres but old rubber. Old rubber is fucked rubber and it lets go easily and without warning. Learn to check the date of manufacture codes - it'll be a four digit number, after the DOT codes, in its own little rectangle area, shown as WWYY. WW - Week of year made, YY - year made. At five-ish years age, the tyres are on their way out and should be changed. This isn't a dealbreaker if the bike's good but will factor into the decision financially, tyres fitting and balancing does cost. This sounds technical but once learned will take ten seconds front, ten seconds rear.

Definitely take someone with you when you go shopping, experience and a second set of eyes both counts.

[Moi]

I like that one, which would be my first choice. Honda quality, 650cc motor, & elevated/safer view ahead.

Thought the same...

did the Motorcycle Ergonomics thing, for her height the Suzuki would allow her to flat foot when stationary whereas the Honda she'd be on her toes.

[T.W.R]

Lams approved, looked after, just needs to be reged but already complied - was going to be used as a rental so in good shape

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1501258085.htm?rsqid=5066ee25902442e5b1ea94e1c3a51 8c4


:facepalm: Fuckin dodgy! have a good look at it, it hasn't been looked after at all.

As to the OP, keep it simple if you want the best experience while you're learning. Do your penance with the basics then climb the ladder, learn to walk properly 1st do the training but don't be in a rush there's a lot more to it than meets the eye and only time and discipline develop that

[babysteps]

What does a second hand Duke 390 go for these days??

[Scubbo]

:facepalm: Fuckin dodgy! have a good look at it, it hasn't been looked after at all.

As to the OP, keep it simple if you want the best experience while you're learning. Do your penance with the basics then climb the ladder, learn to walk properly 1st do the training but don't be in a rush there's a lot more to it than meets the eye and only time and discipline develop that


Its just old, engine frame all good and a good price just not flash looking exactly what a newb needs to do long commutes on. But yeah if I didn't have eyes on a ninja400 I'd buy it and ride it back to auckland, bargain

[T.W.R]

Its just old, engine frame all good and a good price just not flash looking exactly what a newb needs to do long commutes on. But yeah if I didn't have eyes on a ninja400 I'd buy it and ride it back to auckland, bargain



:oi-grr: 2000 model & 20k isn't old

The seller says it's been parked up in a garage for over a year. Then really start looking at it, apart from the cracked cowling & dulux spray bomb paint job, there's a torn gator so what sort of nic is the wiper seal like & is there any damage to the fork itself?, heavy scaring on the L/H swingarm, the chain is dirty as fuck...the rear sprocket isn't much better & over half worn so god knows what the front is like. And you could guarantee it's never had anything near a service since it arrived in the country.

And how come the seller has it listed and the youtube video posted on the 23rd Dec and isn't in the country to allow people to inspect the bike?? surely viewings could be done by arrangement to whoever is looking after the machines

[Scubbo]

Seen far more rooted dr650 and klrs wanting more.. Its 3300 bargain for a bike that will keep going and be easy to keep going

[YellowDog]

Seen far more rooted dr650 and klrs wanting more.. Its 3300 bargain for a bike that will keep going and be easy to keep going

I'd buy it. It's a good model and about the best LAMS bike you can get :yes:

[Oakie]

Thanks for the responses, I have a helmet and gloves already and .... etc etc ... At the moment I'm leaning towards a bigger bike to start with, has anyone got anything to add to it, or something I haven't though of?

Good God. What is an articulate and well reasoned person doing on this forum? Please stay and don't let the trolls scare you away!

As far as the GS500 is concerned, yeah, well worth a look. I've looked at a few without buying and they always struck me as an un-dramatic reliable ride. The bikes I did get were siimllar though and I never regretted either (GSF600 Bandit and GSR600).

Only thing I'd say though is that with 50000k on the clock things will start to need to be replaced/fixed so even if you do the work yourself, you'll still need a budget to buy some bits and pieces. (Things like fork seals, bearings etc).

OHHHHH ..... if you are going to do Kaiapoi / Christchurch in winter, heated handgrips are essential. This is not just a comfort thing. At that distance your fingertips will go numb before you reach your destination unless you have super clever gloves (think beeing able to feel indicator buttons) but also it bloody hurts! My commute is only 17kms from Parklands to Cashmere but I wouldn't be without the heated handgrips. Its a safety thing for me, not just comfort.

Good luck. You seem to have a really good handle on what you want and you've obviously put a lot of thought into it so now, good luick is all you really need.

[Scubbo]

Lams approved, looked after, just needs to be reged but already complied - was going to be used as a rental so in good shape

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1501258085.htm?rsqid=5066ee25902442e5b1ea94e1c3a51 8c4

some guy in Thames got the bargain --- ahh well... would've taken sweet f'all to restore to an extremely reliable runner for long distance commuting and touring without the worry of getting it dirty and scratched. lucky bastard.

TWR dunno what you're on about, she looked fine, just check all the bearings and linkages, front fork seal and an oil change and run the current chain and sprockets into dust before replacing.... :weird: less than 4k all up i'd say with a reg

[T.W.R]

some guy in Thames got the bargain --- ahh well... would've taken sweet f'all to restore to an extremely reliable runner for long distance commuting and touring without the worry of getting it dirty and scratched. lucky bastard.

TWR dunno what you're on about, she looked fine, just check all the bearings and linkages, front fork seal and an oil change and run the current chain and sprockets into dust before replacing.... :weird: less than 4k all up i'd say with a reg

:laugh: The last thing a newbie on a budget needs is a bike that's going to cost money over & above the purchase price to get right :oi-grr:
You obviously didn't have a damn good look at the pictures on the auction, it'd been bowled over & down the road at some stage in it's life.
And the one & only bidder/winner :rolleyes: ha he'll be using it to tend his crops
The sellers reluctance to even answer the questions posted are signs of warning bells too.
There's no denying they're a good bike but that thing was a dog!

[Scubbo]

he just chucked up another one for sale https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1509931860.htm?rsqid=a140125899da480f89837399e4445 b0e

[BMWST?]

insurance,acc(rego) and tyres are the factors which people overlook when considering the running costs of a bike.You will need a chain now and then too

[GazzaH]

Rego was quite a shock for me. Tyres I'll have to save for ... and take it easy meanwhile, trying to keep the rubber rolling with me instead of carelessly discarding it on the tarmac and gravel. Insurance is good value given the cagers with malicious intent or cellular distractions. Lightly lubed links last longer, so I've invested in a Scottoiler.